Supervised and Individualized Lifestyle Medicine Therapy of a Patient after Myocardial Infarction—Case Study

Abstract

Background: In the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and after myocardial infarction (MI), lifestyle modifications—exercise and nutritional therapy, smoking cessation, stress management—are essential and have a major, long-term impact on the overall health of patients. Methods: After MI and acute primary care, a lifestyle medicine team (medical doctors, dietitian, exercise physiologist) supervised the therapy of a 40 year-old male patient for 12 months. The program included assessments, regular medical controls, personalized diet, and exercise therapy monitored by a heart rate watch. Results: Gradual and continuous weight loss, major reduction in medication and significant improvement in fitness level, blood glucose level, and cardiac function were measured after the program. Due to these positive changes, the patient’s overall health improved to an even better level than before his MI. Conclusion: The results of this program highlight the benefits and importance of the personalized therapy and the lifestyle medicine team approach in the rehabilitation of CVD patients. Individualized and supervised lifestyle therapy should be part of the primary hospital care of CVD patients lead by medical doctors and supported by other health care providers.